1
|
Kothapalli Y, Jones RA, Chu CK, Singh US. Synthesis of Fluorinated Nucleosides/Nucleotides and Their Antiviral Properties. Molecules 2024; 29:2390. [PMID: 38792251 PMCID: PMC11124531 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The FDA has approved several drugs based on the fluorinated nucleoside pharmacophore, and numerous drugs are currently in clinical trials. Fluorine-containing nucleos(t)ides offer significant antiviral and anticancer activity. The insertion of a fluorine atom, either in the base or sugar of nucleos(t)ides, alters its electronic and steric parameters and transforms the lipophilicity, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic properties of these moieties. The fluorine atom restricts the oxidative metabolism of drugs and provides enzymatic metabolic stability towards the glycosidic bond of the nucleos(t)ide. The incorporation of fluorine also demonstrates additional hydrogen bonding interactions in receptors with enhanced biological profiles. The present article discusses the synthetic methodology and antiviral activities of FDA-approved drugs and ongoing fluoro-containing nucleos(t)ide drug candidates in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chung K. Chu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (Y.K.); (R.A.J.)
| | - Uma S. Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (Y.K.); (R.A.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahmad G, Sohail M, Bilal M, Rasool N, Qamar MU, Ciurea C, Marceanu LG, Misarca C. N-Heterocycles as Promising Antiviral Agents: A Comprehensive Overview. Molecules 2024; 29:2232. [PMID: 38792094 PMCID: PMC11123935 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29102232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses are a real threat to every organism at any stage of life leading to extensive infections and casualties. N-heterocycles can affect the viral life cycle at many points, including viral entrance into host cells, viral genome replication, and the production of novel viral species. Certain N-heterocycles can also stimulate the host's immune system, producing antiviral cytokines and chemokines that can stop the reproduction of viruses. This review focused on recent five- or six-membered synthetic N-heterocyclic molecules showing antiviral activity through SAR analyses. The review will assist in identifying robust scaffolds that might be utilized to create effective antiviral drugs with either no or few side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gulraiz Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (G.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Sohail
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (G.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China;
| | - Nasir Rasool
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (G.A.); (M.S.)
| | - Muhammad Usman Qamar
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Codrut Ciurea
- Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania; (L.G.M.)
| | - Luigi Geo Marceanu
- Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania; (L.G.M.)
| | - Catalin Misarca
- Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania; (L.G.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kurosawa M, Kato F, Hishiki T, Ito S, Fujisawa H, Yamaguchi T, Moriguchi M, Hosokawa K, Watanabe T, Saito-Tarashima N, Minakawa N, Fujimuro M. Sofosbuvir Suppresses the Genome Replication of DENV1 in Human Hepatic Huh7 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2022. [PMID: 38396699 PMCID: PMC10889370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) causes dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever, and DENV infection kills 20,000 people annually worldwide. Therefore, the development of anti-DENV drugs is urgently needed. Sofosbuvir (SOF) is an effective drug for HCV-related diseases, and its triphosphorylated metabolite inhibits viral RNA synthesis by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of HCV. (2'R)-2'-Deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-methyluridine (FMeU) is the dephosphorylated metabolite produced from SOF. The effects of SOF and FMeU on DENV1 replication were analyzed using two DENV1 replicon-based methods that we previously established. First, a replicon-harboring cell assay showed that DENV1 replicon replication in human hepatic Huh7 cells was decreased by SOF but not by FMeU. Second, a transient replicon assay showed that DENV1 replicon replication in Huh7 cells was decreased by SOF; however, in hamster kidney BHK-21 cells, it was not suppressed by SOF. Additionally, the replicon replication in Huh7 and BHK-21 cells was not affected by FMeU. Moreover, we assessed the effects of SOF on infectious DENV1 production. SOF suppressed infectious DENV1 production in Huh7 cells but not in monkey kidney Vero cells. To examine the substrate recognition of the HCV and DENV1 RdRps, the complex conformation of SOF-containing DENV1 RdRp or HCV RdRp was predicted using AlphaFold 2. These results indicate that SOF may be used as a treatment for DENV1 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madoka Kurosawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto 607-8412, Japan; (M.K.); (S.I.); (H.F.); (T.Y.); (M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Fumihiro Kato
- Department of Virology III, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan;
| | - Takayuki Hishiki
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan;
| | - Saori Ito
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto 607-8412, Japan; (M.K.); (S.I.); (H.F.); (T.Y.); (M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Hiroki Fujisawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto 607-8412, Japan; (M.K.); (S.I.); (H.F.); (T.Y.); (M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Tatsuo Yamaguchi
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto 607-8412, Japan; (M.K.); (S.I.); (H.F.); (T.Y.); (M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Misato Moriguchi
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto 607-8412, Japan; (M.K.); (S.I.); (H.F.); (T.Y.); (M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Kohei Hosokawa
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto 607-8412, Japan; (M.K.); (S.I.); (H.F.); (T.Y.); (M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Tadashi Watanabe
- Department of Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan;
| | - Noriko Saito-Tarashima
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan; (N.S.-T.); (N.M.)
| | - Noriaki Minakawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan; (N.S.-T.); (N.M.)
| | - Masahiro Fujimuro
- Department of Cell Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto 607-8412, Japan; (M.K.); (S.I.); (H.F.); (T.Y.); (M.M.); (K.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lone MN, Gul S, Mehraj U, Sofi S, Dar AH, Ganie SA, Wani NA, Mir MA, Zargar MA. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Uracil Derivatives as Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitors. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:6212-6231. [PMID: 36849711 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Cell division is driven by nucleic acid metabolism, and thymidylate synthase (TYMS) catalyzes a rate-limiting step in nucleotide synthesis. As a result, thymidylate synthase has emerged as a critical target in chemotherapy. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is currently being used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, pancreatic, head and neck, colorectal, ovarian, and gastric cancers The objective of this study was to establish a new methodology for the low-cost, one-pot synthesis of uracil derivatives (UD-1 to UD-5) and to evaluate their therapeutic potential in BC cells. One-pot organic synthesis processes using a single solvent were used for the synthesis of drug analogues of Uracil. Integrated bioinformatics using GEPIA2, UALCAN, and KM plotter were utilized to study the expression pattern and prognostic significance of TYMS, the key target gene of 5-fluorouracil in breast cancer patients. Cell viability, cell proliferation, and colony formation assays were used as in vitro methods to validate the in silico lead obtained. BC patients showed high levels of thymidylate synthase, and high expression of thymidylate synthase was found associated with poor prognosis. In silico studies indicated that synthesized uracil derivatives have a high affinity for thymidylate synthase. Notably, the uracil derivatives dramatically inhibited the proliferation and colonization potential of BC cells in vitro. In conclusion, our study identified novel uracil derivatives as promising therapeutic options for breast cancer patients expressing the augmented levels of thymidylate synthase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nadeem Lone
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical & Chemical Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, J&K, India
| | - Shazia Gul
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, J&K, India
| | - Umar Mehraj
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Shazia Sofi
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Abid Hamid Dar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, J&K, India
| | - Shabir Ahmad Ganie
- Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities FoA, SKUAST-K, Srinagar, J&K, India
| | - Nissar Ahmad Wani
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, J&K, India.
| | - Manzoor Ahmad Mir
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India.
| | - Mohammed A Zargar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, J&K, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martínez-González B, Gallego I, Gregori J, Soria ME, Somovilla P, de Ávila AI, García-Crespo C, Durán-Pastor A, Briones C, Gómez J, Quer J, Domingo E, Perales C. Fitness-Dependent, Mild Mutagenic Activity of Sofosbuvir for Hepatitis C Virus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0039423. [PMID: 37367486 PMCID: PMC10353389 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00394-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of a mild mutagen was coined to describe a minor mutagenic activity exhibited by some nucleoside analogues that potentiated their efficacy as antiretroviral agents. In the present study, we report the mild mutagen activity of sofosbuvir (SOF) for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Serial passages of HCV in human hepatoma cells, in the presence of SOF at a concentration well below its cytotoxic concentration 50 (CC50) led to pre-extinction populations whose mutant spectra exhibited a significant increase of C→U transitions, relative to populations passaged in the absence of SOF. This was reflected in an increase in several diversity indices that were used to characterize viral quasispecies. The mild mutagenic activity of SOF was largely absent when it was tested with isogenic HCV populations that displayed high replicative fitness. Thus, SOF can act as a mild mutagen for HCV, depending on HCV fitness. Possible mechanisms by which the SOF mutagenic activity may contribute to its antiviral efficacy are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Martínez-González
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Gallego
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Gregori
- Liver Diseases-Viral Hepatitis, Liver Unit, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Eugenia Soria
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Somovilla
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel de Ávila
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Crespo
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Durán-Pastor
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Gómez
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina ‘López-Neyra’ (CSIC), Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Josep Quer
- Liver Diseases-Viral Hepatitis, Liver Unit, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Esteban Domingo
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia Perales
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shehzadi K, Saba A, Yu M, Liang J. Structure-Based Drug Design of RdRp Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2023; 381:22. [PMID: 37318607 DOI: 10.1007/s41061-023-00432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a worldwide pandemic since 2019, spreading rapidly and posing a significant threat to human health and life. With over 6 billion confirmed cases of the virus, the need for effective therapeutic drugs has become more urgent than ever before. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is crucial in viral replication and transcription, catalysing viral RNA synthesis and serving as a promising therapeutic target for developing antiviral drugs. In this article, we explore the inhibition of RdRp as a potential treatment for viral diseases, analysing the structural information of RdRp in virus proliferation and summarizing the reported inhibitors' pharmacophore features and structure-activity relationship profiles. We hope that the information provided by this review will aid in structure-based drug design and aid in the global fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Shehzadi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China
| | - Afsheen Saba
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China
| | - Mingjia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China.
| | - Jianhua Liang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 10081, China.
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, 314019, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Inhibition of Viral RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases by Nucleoside Inhibitors: An Illustration of the Unity and Diversity of Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012649. [PMID: 36293509 PMCID: PMC9604226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) is essential for the replication and expression of RNA viral genomes. This class of viruses comprise a large number of highly pathogenic agents that infect essentially all species of plants and animals including humans. Infections often lead to epidemics and pandemics that have remained largely out of control due to the lack of specific and reliable preventive and therapeutic regimens. This unmet medical need has led to the exploration of new antiviral targets, of which RdRP is a major one, due to the fact of its obligatory need in virus growth. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of several synthetic nucleoside analogs to serve as mimics of the corresponding natural nucleosides. These mimics cause stalling/termination of RdRP, or misincorporation, preventing virus replication or promoting large-scale lethal mutations. Several such analogs have received clinical approval and are being routinely used in therapy. In parallel, the molecular structural basis of their inhibitory interactions with RdRP is being elucidated, revealing both traditional and novel mechanisms including a delayed chain termination effect. This review offers a molecular commentary on these mechanisms along with their clinical implications based on analyses of recent results, which should facilitate the rational design of structure-based antiviral drugs.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gillis TD, Bearne SL. Effects of the 5'-Triphosphate Metabolites of Ribavirin, Sofosbuvir, Vidarabine, and Molnupiravir on CTP Synthase Catalysis and Filament Formation: Implications for Repurposing Antiviral Agents against SARS-CoV-2. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200399. [PMID: 36184568 PMCID: PMC9538051 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Repurposing of antiviral drugs affords a rapid and effective strategy to develop therapies to counter pandemics such as COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 replication is closely linked to the metabolism of cytosine-containing nucleotides, especially cytidine-5'-triphosphate (CTP), such that the integrity of the viral genome is highly sensitive to intracellular CTP levels. CTP synthase (CTPS) catalyzes the rate-limiting step for the de novo biosynthesis of CTP. Hence, it is of interest to know the effects of the 5'-triphosphate (TP) metabolites of repurposed antiviral agents on CTPS activity. Using E. coli CTPS as a model enzyme, we show that ribavirin-5'-TP is a weak allosteric activator of CTPS, while sofosbuvir-5'-TP and adenine-arabinofuranoside-5'-TP are both substrates. β-d-N4 -Hydroxycytidine-5'-TP is a weak competitive inhibitor relative to CTP, but induces filament formation by CTPS. Alternatively, sofosbuvir-5'-TP prevented CTP-induced filament formation. These results reveal the underlying potential for repurposed antivirals to affect the activity of a critical pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthetic enzyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D. Gillis
- Dalhousie UniversityDepartment of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology5850 College St.Tupper Medical Building, 9JB3H 4R2HalifaxCANADA
| | - Stephen L. Bearne
- Dalhousie UniversityBiochemistry & Molecular Biology5850 College StreetTupper Medical BuildingB3H 4R2HalifaxCANADA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Why Remdesivir Failed: Preclinical Assumptions Overestimate the Clinical Efficacy of Remdesivir for COVID-19 and Ebola. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0111721. [PMID: 34252308 PMCID: PMC8448091 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01117-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Remdesivir is a nucleoside monophosphoramidate prodrug that has been FDA approved for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical efficacy of remdesivir for COVID-19 remains contentious, as several trials have not found statistically significant differences in either time to clinical improvement or mortality between remdesivir-treated and control groups. Similarly, the inability of remdesivir to provide a clinically significant benefit above other investigational agents in patients with Ebola contrasts with strong, curative preclinical data generated in rhesus macaque models. For both COVID-19 and Ebola, significant discordance between the robust preclinical data and remdesivir’s lackluster clinical performance have left many puzzled. Here, we critically evaluate the assumptions of the models underlying remdesivir’s promising preclinical data and show that such assumptions overpredict efficacy and minimize toxicity of remdesivir in humans. Had the limitations of in vitro drug efficacy testing and species differences in drug metabolism been considered, the underwhelming clinical performance of remdesivir for both COVID-19 and Ebola would have been fully anticipated.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tian L, Qiang T, Liang C, Ren X, Jia M, Zhang J, Li J, Wan M, YuWen X, Li H, Cao W, Liu H. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors: The current landscape and repurposing for the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 213:113201. [PMID: 33524687 PMCID: PMC7826122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The widespread nature of several viruses is greatly credited to their rapidly altering RNA genomes that enable the infection to persist despite challenges presented by host cells. Within the RNA genome of infections is RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is an essential enzyme that helps in RNA synthesis by catalysing the RNA template-dependent development of phosphodiester bonds. Therefore, RdRp is an important therapeutic target in RNA virus-caused diseases, including SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we describe the promising RdRp inhibitors that have been launched or are currently in clinical studies for the treatment of RNA virus infections. Structurally, nucleoside inhibitors (NIs) bind to the RdRp protein at the enzyme active site, and nonnucleoside inhibitors (NNIs) bind to the RdRp protein at allosteric sites. By reviewing these inhibitors, more precise guidelines for the development of more promising anti-RNA virus drugs should be set, and due to the current health emergency, they will eventually be used for COVID-19 treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tian
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Taotao Qiang
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Chengyuan Liang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| | - Xiaodong Ren
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, PR China.
| | - Minyi Jia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Jiayun Zhang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Minge Wan
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Business & Commerce, Xi'an, 712046, PR China
| | - Xin YuWen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Han Li
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Wenqiang Cao
- Zhuhai Jinan Selenium Source Nanotechnology Co., Ltd., Hengqin New Area, Zhuhai, 519030, PR China.
| | - Hong Liu
- Zhuhai Jinan Selenium Source Nanotechnology Co., Ltd., Hengqin New Area, Zhuhai, 519030, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Maheden K, Todd B, Gordon CJ, Tchesnokov EP, Götte M. Inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases with clinically relevant nucleotide analogs. Enzymes 2021; 49:315-354. [PMID: 34696837 PMCID: PMC8517576 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of viral infections remains challenging, in particular in the face of emerging pathogens. Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs could potentially be used as a first line of defense. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of RNA viruses serves as a logical target for drug discovery and development efforts. Herein we discuss compounds that target RdRp of poliovirus, hepatitis C virus, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, and the growing data on coronaviruses. We focus on nucleotide analogs and mechanisms of action and resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Maheden
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brendan Todd
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Calvin J Gordon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Egor P Tchesnokov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthias Götte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology at University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yu H, Yang H, Shi E, Tang W. Development and Clinical Application of Phosphorus-Containing Drugs. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2020; 8:100063. [PMID: 32864606 PMCID: PMC7445155 DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2020.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus-containing drugs belong to an important class of therapeutic agents and are widely applied in daily clinical practices. Structurally, the phosphorus-containing drugs can be classified into phosphotriesters, phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphine oxides, phosphoric amides, bisphosphonates, phosphoric anhydrides, and others; functionally, they are often designed as prodrugs with improved selectivity and bioavailability, reduced side effects and toxicity, or biomolecule analogues with endogenous materials and antagonistic endoenzyme supplements. This review summarized the phosphorus-containing drugs currently on the market as well as a few promising molecules at clinical studies, with particular emphasis on their structural features, biological mechanism, and indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Ling Ling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - He Yang
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China,Corresponding authors
| | - Enxue Shi
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China,Corresponding authors
| | - Wenjun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Ling Ling Road, Shanghai 200032, China,School of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Sub-lane Xiangshan, Hangzhou 310024, China,Correspondence to: W. Tang, State Key Laboratory of Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Ling Ling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tosstorff A, Cole JC, Taylor R, Harris SF, Kuhn B. Identification of Noncompetitive Protein–Ligand Interactions for Structural Optimization. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:6595-6611. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Tosstorff
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
- Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, 12 Union Road, Cambridge CB2 1EZ, U.K
| | - Jason C. Cole
- Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, 12 Union Road, Cambridge CB2 1EZ, U.K
| | - Robin Taylor
- Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, 12 Union Road, Cambridge CB2 1EZ, U.K
| | - Seth F. Harris
- Structural Biology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Bernd Kuhn
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Meanwell M, Silverman SM, Lehmann J, Adluri B, Wang Y, Cohen R, Campeau LC, Britton R. A short de novo synthesis of nucleoside analogs. Science 2020; 369:725-730. [PMID: 32764073 DOI: 10.1126/science.abb3231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside analogs are commonly used in the treatment of cancer and viral infections. Their syntheses benefit from decades of research but are often protracted, unamenable to diversification, and reliant on a limited pool of chiral carbohydrate starting materials. We present a process for rapidly constructing nucleoside analogs from simple achiral materials. Using only proline catalysis, heteroaryl-substituted acetaldehydes are fluorinated and then directly engaged in enantioselective aldol reactions in a one-pot reaction. A subsequent intramolecular fluoride displacement reaction provides a functionalized nucleoside analog. The versatility of this process is highlighted in multigram syntheses of d- or l-nucleoside analogs, locked nucleic acids, iminonucleosides, and C2'- and C4'-modified nucleoside analogs. This de novo synthesis creates opportunities for the preparation of diversity libraries and will support efforts in both drug discovery and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Meanwell
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Steven M Silverman
- Department of Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Johannes Lehmann
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | | | - Yang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Ryan Cohen
- Department of Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Louis-Charles Campeau
- Department of Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | - Robert Britton
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Species differences in liver accumulation and metabolism of nucleotide prodrug sofosbuvir. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2020; 35:334-340. [PMID: 32345577 DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2020.04.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sofosbuvir (SOF) is a nucleotide prodrug which has been used as a backbone for the clinical treatment of hepatitis C viral infection. Because sofosbuvir undergoes complex first pass metabolism, including metabolic activation to form its pharmacologically active triphosphate (GS-331007-TP) to inhibit the viral RNA polymerase in the liver, it is difficult to project the human dose for clinical evaluation based on preclinical data. Selecting an appropriate animal model for drug exposure in the target tissue is challenging due to differences in absorption, stability, hepatic uptake, and intracellular activation across species. Efficient liver delivery has been established in human liver following administration in a clinical trial of patients receiving sofosbuvir prior to liver transplantation. Using the clinical liver exposure as a benchmark, we assessed and compared the pharmacokinetic profile in mouse, rat, hamster, dog and monkey. Liver accumulation was also assessed in the PXB mouse model in which the liver is mostly populated with human hepatocytes. At human equivalent dose, the hepatic concentrations of GS-331007-TP in dog and PXB mouse were comparable to those observed in the human livers. In these species, high and sustained levels of GS-331007-TP were observed in both primary hepatocytes in vitro and the liver in vivo.
Collapse
|
16
|
Shaw TA, Ablenas CJ, Desrochers GF, Powdrill MH, Bilodeau DA, Vincent-Rocan JF, Niu M, Monette A, Mouland AJ, Beauchemin AM, Pezacki JP. A Bifunctional Nucleoside Probe for the Inhibition of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:1537-1544. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A. Shaw
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Christopher J. Ablenas
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Geneviève F. Desrochers
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Megan H. Powdrill
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Didier A. Bilodeau
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Jean-François Vincent-Rocan
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Meijuan Niu
- Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Anne Monette
- Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Mouland
- Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, 3999 Côte-Ste-Catherine Road, Montréal, Québec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - André M. Beauchemin
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - John Paul Pezacki
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pedreira JGB, Franco LS, Barreiro EJ. Chemical Intuition in Drug Design and Discovery. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1679-1693. [PMID: 31258088 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190620144142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The medicinal chemist plays the most important role in drug design, discovery and development. The primary goal is to discover leads and optimize them to develop clinically useful drug candidates. This process requires the medicinal chemist to deal with large sets of data containing chemical descriptors, pharmacological data, pharmacokinetics parameters, and in silico predictions. The modern medicinal chemist has a large number of tools and technologies to aid him in creating strategies and supporting decision-making. Alongside with these tools, human cognition, experience and creativity are fundamental to drug research and are important for the chemical intuition of medicinal chemists. Therefore, fine-tuning of data processing and in-house experience are essential to reach clinical trials. In this article, we will provide an expert opinion on how chemical intuition contributes to the discovery of drugs, discuss where it is involved in the modern drug discovery process, and demonstrate how multidisciplinary teams can create the optimal environment for drug design, discovery, and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Júlia G B Pedreira
- Laboratorio de Avaliacao e Sintese de Substancias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucas S Franco
- Laboratorio de Avaliacao e Sintese de Substancias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, ICB-UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliezer J Barreiro
- Laboratorio de Avaliacao e Sintese de Substancias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, ICB-UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pesquisas em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos (PPDF), ICB, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dousson CB. Current and future use of nucleo(s)tide prodrugs in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. Antivir Chem Chemother 2019; 26:2040206618756430. [PMID: 29463095 PMCID: PMC5890546 DOI: 10.1177/2040206618756430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This review describes the current state of discovery of past most important nucleoside and nucleotide prodrugs in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection as well as future potential drugs currently in discovery or clinical evaluation. I highlight first generation landmark prodrug compounds which have been the foundations of incremental improvements toward the discovery and approval milestone of Sofosbuvir. Sofosbuvir is the first nucleotide prodrug marketed for hepatitis C virus treatment and the backbone of current combination therapies. Since this approval, new nucleotide prodrugs using the same design of Sofosbuvir McGuigan prodrug have emerged, some of them progressing through advanced clinical trials and may become available as new incremental alternative hepatitis C virus treatments in the future. Although since Sofosbuvir success, only minimal design efforts have been invested in finding better liver targeted prodrugs, a few novel prodrugs are being studied and their different modes of activation may prove beneficial over the heart/liver targeting ratio to reduce potential drug–drug interaction in combination therapies and yield safer treatment to patients. Prodrugs have long been avoided as much as possible in the past by development teams due to their metabolism and kinetic characterization complexity, but with their current success in hepatitis C virus treatment, and the knowledge gained in this endeavor, should become a first choice in future tissue targeting drug discovery programs beyond the particular case of nucleos(t)ide analogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril B Dousson
- Idenix, an MSD Company-Medicinal Chemistry Cap Gamma, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Machine learning-powered antibiotics phenotypic drug discovery. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5013. [PMID: 30899034 PMCID: PMC6428806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39387-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of novel antibiotics remains a major challenge for drug discovery. The present study explores use of phenotypic readouts beyond classical antibacterial growth inhibition adopting a combined multiparametric high content screening and genomic approach. Deployment of the semi-automated bacterial phenotypic fingerprint (BPF) profiling platform in conjunction with a machine learning-powered dataset analysis, effectively allowed us to narrow down, compare and predict compound mode of action (MoA). The method identifies weak antibacterial hits allowing full exploitation of low potency hits frequently discovered by routine antibacterial screening. We demonstrate that BPF classification tool can be successfully used to guide chemical structure activity relationship optimization, enabling antibiotic development and that this approach can be fruitfully applied across species. The BPF classification tool could be potentially applied in primary screening, effectively enabling identification of novel antibacterial compound hits and differentiating their MoA, hence widening the known antibacterial chemical space of existing pharmaceutical compound libraries. More generally, beyond the specific objective of the present work, the proposed approach could be profitably applied to a broader range of diseases amenable to phenotypic drug discovery.
Collapse
|
20
|
Yates MK, Seley-Radtke KL. The evolution of antiviral nucleoside analogues: A review for chemists and non-chemists. Part II: Complex modifications to the nucleoside scaffold. Antiviral Res 2019; 162:5-21. [PMID: 30529089 PMCID: PMC6349489 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This is the second of two invited articles reviewing the development of nucleoside analogue antiviral drugs, written for a target audience of virologists and other non-chemists, as well as chemists who may not be familiar with the field. As with the first paper, rather than providing a chronological account, we have chosen to examine particular examples of structural modifications made to nucleoside analogues that have proven fruitful as various antiviral, anticancer, and other therapeutics. The first review covered the more common, and in most cases, single modifications to the sugar and base moieties of the nucleoside scaffold. This paper focuses on more recent developments, especially nucleoside analogues that contain more than one modification to the nucleoside scaffold. We hope that these two articles will provide an informative historical perspective of some of the successfully designed analogues, as well as many candidate compounds that encountered obstacles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Yates
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine L Seley-Radtke
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of the Direct-acting Hepatitis C Antiviral Sofosbuvir in HealthyChineseSubjects. Clin Ther 2018; 40:1556-1566. [PMID: 30185395 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of sofosbuvir and its metabolites after a single dose of sofosbuvir 400mg and once daily dosing of sofosbuvir 400mg for 7days in healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS This Phase I, open-label, single- and multiple-dose study enrolled 14 Chinese subjects aged 18 to 45years with an approximately even distribution of healthy male (n = 9) and nonpregnant, nonlactating female subjects (n = 5). Subjects received a single oral dose of sofosbuvir 400mg (one tablet) (morning, fasted conditions; single-dose treatment). After a 3-day washout, subjects received oral sofosbuvir 400mg (one tablet) (morning, fasted) for 7days (multiple dose treatment). FINDINGS No significant accumulation of sofosbuvir, GS-566500, or GS-331007 was observed. Steady state of the major metabolite GS-331007 was achieved after 4days of consecutive dosing with sofosbuvir 400mg once daily. Sofosbuvir was generally well tolerated. IMPLICATIONS Overall, this study supports the further evaluation of sofosbuvir 400mg in the Chinese population. The pharmacokinetic properties of sofosbuvir, GS-556500, and GS-311007 were found to be broadly similar in healthy Chinese subjects compared with non-Chinese subjects in previous sofosbuvir studies. ChinaDrugTrials.org.cn identifier: CTR20150249.
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhu Y, Han J, Wang J, Shibata N, Sodeoka M, Soloshonok VA, Coelho JAS, Toste FD. Modern Approaches for Asymmetric Construction of Carbon-Fluorine Quaternary Stereogenic Centers: Synthetic Challenges and Pharmaceutical Needs. Chem Rev 2018; 118:3887-3964. [PMID: 29608052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 412] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
New methods for preparation of tailor-made fluorine-containing compounds are in extremely high demand in nearly every sector of chemical industry. The asymmetric construction of quaternary C-F stereogenic centers is the most synthetically challenging and, consequently, the least developed area of research. As a reflection of this apparent methodological deficit, pharmaceutical drugs featuring C-F stereogenic centers constitute less than 1% of all fluorine-containing medicines currently on the market or in clinical development. Here we provide a comprehensive review of current research activity in this area, including such general directions as asymmetric electrophilic fluorination via organocatalytic and transition-metal catalyzed reactions, asymmetric elaboration of fluorine-containing substrates via alkylations, Mannich, Michael, and aldol additions, cross-coupling reactions, and biocatalytic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials , Nanjing University , 210093 Nanjing , China
| | - Jianlin Han
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials , Nanjing University , 210093 Nanjing , China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Nanopharmaceutical Sciences & Department of Frontier Materials , Nagoya Institute of Technology , Gokiso, Showa-ku , Nagoya 466-8555 , Japan
| | - Norio Shibata
- Department of Nanopharmaceutical Sciences & Department of Frontier Materials , Nagoya Institute of Technology , Gokiso, Showa-ku , Nagoya 466-8555 , Japan
| | - Mikiko Sodeoka
- Synthetic Organic Chemistry Laboratory , RIKEN, and RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resourse Science , 2-1 Hirosawa , Wako 351-0198 , Japan
| | - Vadim A Soloshonok
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry , University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , 20018 San Sebastian , Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , 48011 Bilbao , Spain
| | - Jaime A S Coelho
- Department of Chemistry , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
| | - F Dean Toste
- Department of Chemistry , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Maize KM, Shah R, Strom A, Kumarapperuma S, Zhou A, Wagner CR, Finzel BC. A Crystal Structure Based Guide to the Design of Human Histidine Triad Nucleotide Binding Protein 1 (hHint1) Activated ProTides. Mol Pharm 2017; 14:3987-3997. [PMID: 28968488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nucleotide analogues that incorporate a metabolically labile nucleoside phosphoramidate (a ProTide) have found utility as prodrugs. In humans, ProTides can be cleaved by human histidine triad nucleotide binding protein 1 (hHint1) to expose the nucleotide monophosphate. Activation by this route circumvents highly selective nucleoside kinases that limit the use of nucleosides as prodrugs. To better understand the diversity of potential substrates of hHint1, we created and studied a series of phosphoramidate nucleosides. Using a combination of enzyme kinetics, X-ray crystallography, and isothermal titration calorimetry with both wild-type and inactive mutant enzymes, we have been able to explore the energetics of substrate binding and establish a structural basis for catalytic efficiency. Diverse nucleobases are well tolerated, but portions of the ribose are needed to position substrates for catalysis. Beneficial characteristics of the amine leaving group are also revealed. Structural principles revealed by these results may be exploited to tune the rate of substrate hydrolysis to strategically alter the intracellular release of the product nucleoside monophosphate from the ProTide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Maize
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Rachit Shah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Alex Strom
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sidath Kumarapperuma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Andrew Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carston R Wagner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Barry C Finzel
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mumtaz N, Jimmerson LC, Bushman LR, Kiser JJ, Aron G, Reusken CBEM, Koopmans MPG, van Kampen JJA. Cell-line dependent antiviral activity of sofosbuvir against Zika virus. Antiviral Res 2017; 146:161-163. [PMID: 28912011 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The recent epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas and its association with fetal and neurological complications has shown the need to develop a treatment. Repurposing of drugs that are already FDA approved or in clinical development may shorten drug development timelines in case of emerging viral diseases like ZIKV. Initial studies have shown conflicting results when testing sofosbuvir developed for treatment of infections with another Flaviviridae virus, hepatitis C virus. We hypothesized that the conflicting results could be explained by differences in intracellular processing of the compound. We assessed the antiviral activity of sofosbuvir and mericitabine against ZIKV using Vero, A549, and Huh7 cells and measured the level of the active sofosbuvir metabolite by mass spectrometry. Mericitabine did not show activity, while sofosbuvir inhibited ZIKV with an IC50 of ∼4 μM, but only in Huh7 cells. This correlated with differences in intracellular concentration of the active triphosphate metabolite of sofosbuvir, GS-461203 or 007-TP, which was 11-342 times higher in Huh7 cells compared to Vero and A549 cells. These results show that a careful selection of cell system for repurposing trials of prodrugs is needed for evaluation of antiviral activity. Furthermore, the intracellular levels of 007-TP in tissues and cell types that support ZIKV replication in vivo should be determined to further investigate the potential of sofosbuvir as anti-ZIKV compound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Mumtaz
- Department of Viroscience, Unit Clinical Virology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leah C Jimmerson
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, USA
| | - Lane R Bushman
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, USA
| | - Jennifer J Kiser
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, USA
| | - Georgina Aron
- Department of Viroscience, Unit Clinical Virology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal B E M Reusken
- Department of Viroscience, Unit Clinical Virology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion P G Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Unit Clinical Virology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J A van Kampen
- Department of Viroscience, Unit Clinical Virology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Alexandre FR, Badaroux E, Bilello JP, Bot S, Bouisset T, Brandt G, Cappelle S, Chapron C, Chaves D, Convard T, Counor C, Da Costa D, Dukhan D, Gay M, Gosselin G, Griffon JF, Gupta K, Hernandez-Santiago B, La Colla M, Lioure MP, Milhau J, Paparin JL, Peyronnet J, Parsy C, Pierra Rouvière C, Rahali H, Rahali R, Salanson A, Seifer M, Serra I, Standring D, Surleraux D, Dousson CB. The discovery of IDX21437: Design, synthesis and antiviral evaluation of 2'-α-chloro-2'-β-C-methyl branched uridine pronucleotides as potent liver-targeted HCV polymerase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:4323-4330. [PMID: 28835346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Herein we describe the discovery of IDX21437 35b, a novel RPd-aminoacid-based phosphoramidate prodrug of 2'-α-chloro-2'-β-C-methyluridine monophosphate. Its corresponding triphosphate 6 is a potent inhibitor of the HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Despite showing very weak activity in the in vitro Huh-7 cell based HCV replicon assay, 35b demonstrated high levels of active triphosphate 6 in mouse liver and human hepatocytes. A biochemical study revealed that the metabolism of 35b was mainly attributed to carboxyesterase 1 (CES1), an enzyme which is underexpressed in HCV Huh-7-derived replicon cells. Furthermore, due to its metabolic activation, 35b was efficiently processed in liver cells compared to other cell types, including human cardiomyocytes. The selected RP diastereoisomeric configuration of 35b was assigned by X-ray structural determination. 35b is currently in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of HCV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François-René Alexandre
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France.
| | - Eric Badaroux
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - John P Bilello
- Merck & Co., Inc., PO Box 4, 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA; IDENIX Pharmaceuticals, 320 Bent Street - 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Stéphanie Bot
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Tony Bouisset
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Guillaume Brandt
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Sylvie Cappelle
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Christopher Chapron
- IDENIX Pharmaceuticals, 320 Bent Street - 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dominique Chaves
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Thierry Convard
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Clément Counor
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Daniel Da Costa
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - David Dukhan
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Marion Gay
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Gilles Gosselin
- UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, case courrier 1705, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Jean-François Griffon
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Kusum Gupta
- IDENIX Pharmaceuticals, 320 Bent Street - 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Marie-Pierre Lioure
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Julien Milhau
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Jean-Laurent Paparin
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Jérôme Peyronnet
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Christophe Parsy
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Claire Pierra Rouvière
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Houcine Rahali
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Rachid Rahali
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Aurélien Salanson
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Maria Seifer
- IDENIX Pharmaceuticals, 320 Bent Street - 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ilaria Serra
- IDENIX Pharmaceuticals, 320 Bent Street - 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - David Standring
- IDENIX Pharmaceuticals, 320 Bent Street - 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dominique Surleraux
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| | - Cyril B Dousson
- IDENIX an MSD Company, Cap Gamma, 1682 rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier Cedex 4, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Xu HT, Colby-Germinario SP, Hassounah SA, Fogarty C, Osman N, Palanisamy N, Han Y, Oliveira M, Quan Y, Wainberg MA. Evaluation of Sofosbuvir (β-D-2'-deoxy-2'-α-fluoro-2'-β-C-methyluridine) as an inhibitor of Dengue virus replication<sup/>. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6345. [PMID: 28740124 PMCID: PMC5524696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated Sofosbuvir (SOF), the anti-hepatitis C virus prodrug of β-d-2'-deoxy-2'-α-fluoro-2'-β-C-methyluridine-5'-monophosphate, for potential inhibitory activity against DENV replication. Both cell-based and biochemical assays, based on use of purified DENV full-length NS5 enzyme, were studied. Cytopathic effect protection and virus yield reduction assays confirmed that SOF possessed anti-DENV activity in cell culture with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 4.9 µM and 1.4 µM respectively. Real-time RT-PCR verified that SOF inhibits generation of viral RNA with an EC50 of 9.9 µM. Purified DENV NS5 incorporated the active triphosphate form (SOF-TP) into nascent RNA, causing chain-termination. Relative to the natural UTP, the incorporation efficiency of SOF-TP was low (discrimination value = 327.5). In a primer extension assay, SOF-TP was active against DENV NS5 wild-type polymerase activity with an IC50 of 14.7 ± 2.5 µM. The S600T substitution in the B Motif of DENV polymerase conferred 4.3-fold resistance to SOF-TP; this was due to decreased incorporation efficiency rather than enhanced excision of the incorporated SOF nucleotide. SOF has antiviral activity against DENV replication. The high discrimination value in favor of UTP in enzyme assays may not necessarily preclude antiviral activity in cells. SOF may be worthy of evaluation against severe DENV infections in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Tao Xu
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Susan P Colby-Germinario
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Said A Hassounah
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Clare Fogarty
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathan Osman
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Navaneethan Palanisamy
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,HBIGS, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yingshan Han
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maureen Oliveira
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yudong Quan
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark A Wainberg
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhen L, Dai L, Wen X, Yao L, Jin X, Yang XW, Zhao W, Yu SQ, Yuan H, Wang G, Sun H. Discovery of Novel Nucleotide Prodrugs with Improved Potency Against HCV Variants Carrying NS5B S282T Mutation. J Med Chem 2017. [PMID: 28650160 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Resistant HCV variants carrying NS5B S282T mutation confer reduced sensitivity to sofosbuvir, the sole marketed NS5B polymerase inhibitor. On the basis of the finding that 2'-α-F-2'-β-C-methylcytidine 5'-triphosphate (8) was more potent than sofosbuvir's active metabolite on inhibition of both wild-type and S282T mutant polymerase, a dual-prodrug approach has been established. Twenty-nine phosphoramidates with N4-modified cytosine were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for anti-HCV activity. The results showed that compounds 4c-4e and 4m (EC50 = 0.19-0.25 μM) exhibited comparable potency to that of sofosbuvir (EC50 = 0.15 μM) on inhibition of wild-type replicons. Notably, 4c (EC50 = 0.366 μM) was 1.5-fold more potent than sofosbuvir (EC50 = 0.589 μM) on inhibition of S282T mutant replicons. In vitro metabolic studies disclosed the possible metabolic pathways of 4c. The toxicity study results indicated a good safety profile of 4c. Together, 4c-4e and 4m hold promise for drug development for the treatment of HCV infection, especially the resistant variants with NS5B S282T mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Liang Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoan Wen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Sheng-Qi Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haoliang Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guangji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongbin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Moffat JG, Vincent F, Lee JA, Eder J, Prunotto M. Opportunities and challenges in phenotypic drug discovery: an industry perspective. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2017; 16:531-543. [PMID: 28685762 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 484] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) approaches do not rely on knowledge of the identity of a specific drug target or a hypothesis about its role in disease, in contrast to the target-based strategies that have been widely used in the pharmaceutical industry in the past three decades. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in PDD approaches based on their potential to address the incompletely understood complexity of diseases and their promise of delivering first-in-class drugs, as well as major advances in the tools for cell-based phenotypic screening. Nevertheless, PDD approaches also have considerable challenges, such as hit validation and target deconvolution. This article focuses on the lessons learned by researchers engaged in PDD in the pharmaceutical industry and considers the impact of 'omics' knowledge in defining a cellular disease phenotype in the era of precision medicine, introducing the concept of a chain of translatability. We particularly aim to identify features and areas in which PDD can best deliver value to drug discovery portfolios and can contribute to the identification and the development of novel medicines, and to illustrate the challenges and uncertainties that are associated with PDD in order to help set realistic expectations with regard to its benefits and costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John G Moffat
- Biochemical &Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
| | - Fabien Vincent
- Discovery Sciences, Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Groton, Connecticut 06340, USA
| | - Jonathan A Lee
- Department of Quantitative Biology, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, USA
| | - Jörg Eder
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Prunotto
- Phenotype and Target ID, Chemical Biology, pRED, Roche, 4070 Basel, Switzerland. Present address: Office of Innovation, Immunology, Infectious Diseases &Ophthalmology (I2O), Roche Late Stage Development, 124 Grenzacherstrasse, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Eyer L, Šmídková M, Nencka R, Neča J, Kastl T, Palus M, De Clercq E, Růžek D. Structure-activity relationships of nucleoside analogues for inhibition of tick-borne encephalitis virus. Antiviral Res 2016; 133:119-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
30
|
Zhou L, Zhang HW, Tao S, Bassit L, Whitaker T, McBrayer TR, Ehteshami M, Amiralaei S, Pradere U, Cho JH, Amblard F, Bobeck D, Detorio M, Coats SJ, Schinazi RF. β-D-2'-C-Methyl-2,6-diaminopurine Ribonucleoside Phosphoramidates are Potent and Selective Inhibitors of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Are Bioconverted Intracellularly to Bioactive 2,6-Diaminopurine and Guanosine 5'-Triphosphate Forms. J Med Chem 2015; 58:3445-58. [PMID: 25849312 PMCID: PMC7714489 DOI: 10.1021/jm501874e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of selected β-D-2,6-diaminopurine nucleosides (DAPNs) to their phosphoramidate prodrug (PD) substantially blocks the conversion to the G-analog allowing for the generation of two bioactive nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) in human hepatocytes. A variety of 2'-C-methyl DAPN-PDs were prepared and evaluated for inhibition of HCV viral replication in Huh-7 cells, cytotoxicity in various cell lines, and cellular pharmacology in both Huh-7 and primary human liver cells. The DAPN-PDs were pan-genotypic, effective against various HCV resistant mutants, and resistant variants could not be selected. 2'-C-Me-DAPN-TP and 2'-C-Me-GTP were chain terminators for genotype 1b HCV-pol, and single nucleotide incorporation assays revealed that 2'-C-Me-DAPN-TP was incorporated opposite U. No cytotoxicity was observed with our DAPN-PD when tested up to 50 μM. A novel, DAPN-PD, 15c, has been selected for further evaluation because of its good virologic and toxicologic profile and its ability to deliver two active metabolites, potentially simplifying HCV treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longhu Zhou
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Hong-wang Zhang
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Sijia Tao
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Leda Bassit
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia 30033, United States
| | - Tony Whitaker
- CoCrystal Pharma, Inc., Tucker, Georgia 30084, United States
| | - Tamara R. McBrayer
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia 30033, United States
- CoCrystal Pharma, Inc., Tucker, Georgia 30084, United States
| | - Maryam Ehteshami
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Sheida Amiralaei
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ugo Pradere
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jong Hyun Cho
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Franck Amblard
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia 30033, United States
| | - Drew Bobeck
- CoCrystal Pharma, Inc., Tucker, Georgia 30084, United States
| | - Mervi Detorio
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia 30033, United States
| | - Steven J. Coats
- CoCrystal Pharma, Inc., Tucker, Georgia 30084, United States
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia 30033, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Nguyen T, Guedj J. HCV Kinetic Models and Their Implications in Drug Development. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2015. [PMID: 26225247 PMCID: PMC4429577 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects about 170 million people worldwide and is a major cause of liver complications. Mathematical modeling of viral kinetics under treatment has provided insight into the viral life cycle, treatment effectiveness, and drugs' mechanisms of action. Here we review the implications of viral kinetic models at the different stages of development of anti-HCV agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tht Nguyen
- IAME, UMR 1137, INSERM Paris, France ; IAME, UMR 1137, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité Paris, France
| | - J Guedj
- IAME, UMR 1137, INSERM Paris, France ; IAME, UMR 1137, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kirschberg TA, Mish MR, Zhang L, Squires NH, Wang KY, Cho A, Feng JY, Fenaux M, Babusis D, Park Y, Ray AS, Kim CU. Synthesis and characterization of 1'-C-cyano-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methyl pyrimidine nucleosides as HCV polymerase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:1040-3. [PMID: 25650256 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The first synthesis of 1'-C-CN, 2'-F, 2'-C-Me pyrimidines is described. Anti-HCV activity was assessed and compared to the 1'-C-CN, 2'-C-Me as well as the 2'-F, 2'-C-Me pyrimidines. A phosphoramidate prodrug of the cytidine derivative showed activity in the low micromolar range against HCV replicons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael R Mish
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Neil H Squires
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Ke-Yu Wang
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Aesop Cho
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Joy Y Feng
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Martijn Fenaux
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Darius Babusis
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Yeojin Park
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Adrian S Ray
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| | - Choung U Kim
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94044, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Friborg J, Zhou N, Han Z, Yang X, Falk P, Mendez P, McPhee F. In Vitro Assessment of Re-treatment Options for Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1b Infection Resistant to Daclatasvir Plus Asunaprevir. Infect Dis Ther 2014; 4:137-144. [PMID: 25516102 PMCID: PMC4363215 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-014-0052-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Daclatasvir is a non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitor with activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1-6 in vitro, and asunaprevir is a non-structural protein 3 (NS3) protease inhibitor with activity against genotypes 1, 4, 5, and 6. This study evaluates potential options for the re-treatment of HCV genotype 1b-infected patients who have failed combination therapy with daclatasvir plus asunaprevir. METHODS The antiviral activity of drug combination regimens in HCV subgenomic replicon cell lines representing genotype 1b (Con1 strain) wild-type or a variant with specific NS5A and NS3 amino acid substitutions conferring resistance to daclatasvir and asunaprevir were compared using replicon elimination assays. Drug concentrations representing multiple 50% effective concentrations (EC50) derived in vitro and trough plasma concentrations observed in a clinical setting were utilized. RESULTS At multiple EC50 values of each drug (3×, 10×, and 30× EC50), combinations of daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir, sofosbuvir plus simeprevir, and sofosbuvir plus either a next-generation NS3 or NS5A inhibitor demonstrated comparable activity in wild-type and daclatasvir/asunaprevir-resistant cell lines. At clinically relevant drug trough concentrations, combination regimens of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir plus beclabuvir (±ribavirin), and daclatasvir plus asunaprevir plus beclabuvir plus sofosbuvir efficiently cleared daclatasvir + asunaprevir-resistant replicons from cells within 5 days of treatment. CONCLUSION Our in vitro results highlight a number of potential all-oral treatment options for patients who do not achieve a sustained virologic response following therapy with daclatasvir plus asunaprevir. These results require further evaluation in clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Friborg
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492 USA
| | - Nannan Zhou
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492 USA
| | - Zhou Han
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492 USA
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492 USA
| | - Paul Falk
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492 USA
| | - Patricia Mendez
- Bristol Myers-Squibb Research and Development, Lawrenceville, NJ USA
| | - Fiona McPhee
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492 USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kukhanova MK, Korovina AN, Sharkin YA, Azhayev AV, Kochetkov SN. 2′-Fluoronucleotides as substrates of viral replicative polymerases. Mol Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893314050082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
35
|
Deval J, Symons JA, Beigelman L. Inhibition of viral RNA polymerases by nucleoside and nucleotide analogs: therapeutic applications against positive-strand RNA viruses beyond hepatitis C virus. Curr Opin Virol 2014; 9:1-7. [PMID: 25194816 PMCID: PMC7102778 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
New therapies for infections caused by positive-strand RNA viruses are needed. Novel nucleoside and nucleotide analogs that inhibit HCV have been developed. Some of these molecules also inhibit other positive-strand RNA viruses. Optimization of antiviral potency and/or target delivery is necessary.
A number of important human infections are caused by positive-strand RNA viruses, yet almost none can be treated with small molecule antiviral therapeutics. One exception is the chronic infection caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV), against which new generations of potent inhibitors are being developed. One of the main molecular targets for anti-HCV drugs is the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, NS5B. This review summarizes the search for nucleoside and nucleotide analogs that inhibit HCV NS5B, which led to the FDA approval of sofosbuvir in 2013. Advances in anti-HCV therapeutics have also stimulated efforts to develop nucleoside analogs against other positive-strand RNA viruses. Although it remains to be validated in the clinic, the prospect of using nucleoside analogs to treat acute infections caused by RNA viruses represents an important paradigm shift and a new frontier for future antiviral therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Deval
- Alios BioPharma, Inc., 260 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Julian A Symons
- Alios BioPharma, Inc., 260 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Leo Beigelman
- Alios BioPharma, Inc., 260 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chen YC, Bernaards C, Kulkarni R, Moreira S, Zhu Y, Chan A, Badman E, Ackrill A, Thommes J, Smith PF. Understanding the effect of the HCV polymerase inhibitor mericitabine on early viral kinetics in the phase 2 JUMP-C and PROPEL studies. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2014; 78:533-42. [PMID: 24602156 PMCID: PMC4243904 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim was to evaluate early viral kinetics in patients receiving mericitabine [hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleoside polymerase inhibitor] with peginterferon alfa-2a (40KD) and ribavirin in two clinical trials (PROPEL and JUMP-C). METHODS We examined rapid virological responses (RVRs; week 4 HCV RNA <15 IU ml(-1) ) and complete early virological responses (cEVR; week 12 HCV RNA <15 IU ml(-1) ) in HCV genotype 1/4-infected patients receiving mericitabine (500 or 1000 mg) or placebo twice daily plus peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin. RESULTS Among IL28B rs12979860 CC genotype patients receiving 500 or 1000 mg mericitabine or placebo, respectively, RVR rates were 64.3% (95% confidence interval: 38.8-83.7%), 95.1% (83.9-98.7%) and 33.3% (20.2-49.7%), and cEVR rates were 100% (78.5-100%), 100% (91.4-100%) and 80.6% (65.0-90.3%). Among non-CC genotype patients, RVR rates were 26.5% (14.6-43.1%), 52.3% (43.0-61.3%) and 5.7% (2.2-13.8%), and cEVR rates were 76.5% (60.0-87.6%), 84.6% (76.6-90.1%) and 28.6% (19.3-40.1%), respectively. In multiple regression analysis, IL28B genotype (P < 0.0001), mericitabine dose (P < 0.0001) and bodyweight (P = 0.0009) were associated with first-phase (α) slope (change in log10 HCV RNA from baseline to week 1). CONCLUSIONS Mericitabine-containing triple therapy reduces the impact of IL28B genotype on RVR and cEVR compared with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin dual therapy. The IL28B genotype, mericitabine dose and bodyweight are the most important factors associated with the α slope, and there is no evidence of a pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction between mericitabine and ribavirin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Chan
- Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.Nutley, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Conway JM, Perelson AS. A hepatitis C virus infection model with time-varying drug effectiveness: solution and analysis. PLoS Comput Biol 2014; 10:e1003769. [PMID: 25101902 PMCID: PMC4125050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple models of therapy for viral diseases such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus assume that, once therapy is started, the drug has a constant effectiveness. More realistic models have assumed either that the drug effectiveness depends on the drug concentration or that the effectiveness varies over time. Here a previously introduced varying-effectiveness (VE) model is studied mathematically in the context of HCV infection. We show that while the model is linear, it has no closed-form solution due to the time-varying nature of the effectiveness. We then show that the model can be transformed into a Bessel equation and derive an analytic solution in terms of modified Bessel functions, which are defined as infinite series, with time-varying arguments. Fitting the solution to data from HCV infected patients under therapy has yielded values for the parameters in the model. We show that for biologically realistic parameters, the predicted viral decay on therapy is generally biphasic and resembles that predicted by constant-effectiveness (CE) models. We introduce a general method for determining the time at which the transition between decay phases occurs based on calculating the point of maximum curvature of the viral decay curve. For the parameter regimes of interest, we also find approximate solutions for the VE model and establish the asymptotic behavior of the system. We show that the rate of second phase decay is determined by the death rate of infected cells multiplied by the maximum effectiveness of therapy, whereas the rate of first phase decline depends on multiple parameters including the rate of increase of drug effectiveness with time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Conway
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Alan S. Perelson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review focuses on the chemical and pharmacological rationale behind the development of nucleoside antiviral prodrugs (NAPs). RECENT FINDINGS Highly efficacious NAPs have been developed that extend and improve the quality of lives of individuals infected with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes viruses, and adenovirus infection in immunocompromised individuals. A very high rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure is now possible using NAPs combined with other direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs). SUMMARY Prodrug strategies can address the issues of poor oral bioavailability and delivery of active metabolites to the targeted cells. Additionally, NAPs demonstrate potential for improving deficiencies in oral absorption, metabolism, tissue distribution, cellular accumulation, phosphorylation, and overall potency, in addition to diminishing potential for in-vivo selection of resistant viruses. NAPs continue to be the backbone for the treatment of HIV and HBV, herpesviruses, and adenovirus infections because their active forms are potent, have long intracellular half-lives and are relatively safe with high barrier to resistance.
Collapse
|
39
|
Madan V, Paul D, Lohmann V, Bartenschlager R. Inhibition of HCV replication by cyclophilin antagonists is linked to replication fitness and occurs by inhibition of membranous web formation. Gastroenterology 2014; 146:1361-72.e1-9. [PMID: 24486951 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) requires host cell factors, such as cyclophilin A (CypA). CypA binds to HCV's nonstructural protein (NS)5A to promote replication of viral RNA. CypA antagonists, such as cyclosporines, are potent inhibitors of HCV replication. NS2 modulates sensitivity of HCV to cyclosporines. We investigated why cyclosporines require NS2 to increase their inhibitory effect and how they block HCV replication. METHODS We determined replication fitness and sensitivity of various HCV replicons, containing or lacking NS2, to cyclosporine and other direct-acting antiviral agents. We also analyzed the effects of cyclosporine on membranous web formation by electron microscopy. RESULTS NS2-5B replicons of genotype 2a (JFH1), but not genotype 1b, had increased sensitivity to cyclosporine. This difference was lost with replication-attenuated NS3-5B JFH1 RNAs, showing that cyclosporine sensitivity is linked to reduced replication fitness of NS2-containing HCV RNAs. Fitness also determined sensitivity to a nucleoside analogue and an NS5A inhibitor, but not to telaprevir. Cyclosporine blocked de novo formation of the membranous web, but had little effect on established membranous replication factories. This block was prevented by cyclosporine resistance mutations in NS5A. CONCLUSIONS Cleavage at the NS2/3 junction is a rate-limiting step in replication of particular HCV isolates and determines their sensitivity to CypA inhibitors. These drugs target de novo formation of the membranous web and RNA replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Madan
- Department for Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Paul
- Department for Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Lohmann
- Department for Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department for Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
|
41
|
|
42
|
Efficiency of incorporation and chain termination determines the inhibition potency of 2'-modified nucleotide analogs against hepatitis C virus polymerase. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:3636-45. [PMID: 24733478 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02666-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleotide analog inhibitors of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of hepatitis C virus (HCV) represent one of the most exciting recent developments in HCV antiviral therapy. Although it is well established that these molecules cause chain termination by competing at the triphosphate level with natural nucleotides for incorporation into elongating RNA, strategies to rationally optimize antiviral potency based on enzyme kinetics remain elusive. In this study, we used the isolated HCV polymerase elongation complex to determine the pre-steady-state kinetics of incorporation of 2'F-2'C-Me-UTP, the active metabolite of the anti-HCV drug sofosbuvir. 2'F-2'C-Me-UTP was efficiently incorporated by HCV polymerase with apparent Kd (equilibrium constant) and kpol (rate of nucleotide incorporation at saturating nucleotide concentration) values of 113 ± 28 μM and 0.67 ± 0.05 s(-1), respectively, giving an overall substrate efficiency (kpol/Kd) of 0.0059 ± 0.0015 μM(-1) s(-1). We also measured the substrate efficiency of other UTP analogs and found that substitutions at the 2' position on the ribose can greatly affect their level of incorporation, with a rank order of OH > F > NH2 > F-C-Me > C-Me > N3 > ara. However, the efficiency of chain termination following the incorporation of UMP analogs followed a different order, with only 2'F-2'C-Me-, 2'C-Me-, and 2'ara-UTP causing complete and immediate chain termination. The chain termination profile of the 2'-modified nucleotides explains the apparent lack of correlation observed across all molecules between substrate efficiency at the single-nucleotide level and their overall inhibition potency. To our knowledge, these results provide the first attempt to use pre-steady-state kinetics to uncover the mechanism of action of 2'-modified NTP analogs against HCV polymerase.
Collapse
|
43
|
Intracellular effects of the Hepatitis C virus nucleoside polymerase inhibitor RO5855 (Mericitabine Parent) and Ribavirin in combination. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:2614-25. [PMID: 24550342 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02250-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mericitabine (RG7128) is the prodrug of a highly selective cytidine nucleoside analog inhibitor (RO5855) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This study evaluated the effects of combining RO5855 and ribavirin on HCV replication in the HCV subgenomic replicon by using two drug-drug interaction models. The effects of RO5855 and ribavirin on the intracellular metabolism of each compound, on interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, and on the viability of hepatocyte-derived cells were also investigated. RO5855 and ribavirin had additive inhibitory activities against HCV subgenomic replicon replication in drug-drug interaction analyses. RO5855 did not affect the uptake or phosphorylation of ribavirin in primary human hepatocytes, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or genotype 1b (G1b) replicon cells. Similarly, ribavirin did not affect the concentrations of intracellular species derived from RO5855 in primary human hepatocytes or the formation of the triphosphorylated metabolites of RO5855. Ribavirin at concentrations of >40 μM significantly reduced the viability of primary hepatocytes but not of Huh7, the G1b replicon, or interferon-cured Huh7 cells. RO5855 alone or with ribavirin did not significantly alter the viability of Huh7 or G1b replicon cells, and it did not significantly affect the viability of primary hepatocytes when it was administered alone. The viability of primary hepatocytes was reduced when they were incubated with RO5855 and ribavirin, similar to the effects of ribavirin alone. RO5855 alone or with ribavirin had no effect on ISG mRNA levels in any of the cells tested. In conclusion, RO5855 did not show any unfavorable interactions with ribavirin in human hepatocytes or an HCV subgenomic replicon system.
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen YC, Haznedar J, Kulkarni R, Vistuer C, Washington C, Liu M, Smith P. Evaluation of the effect of mericitabine at projected therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses on cardiac repolarization in healthy subjects: A thorough QT/QTc study. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2014; 3:179-86. [PMID: 27128607 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mericitabine, the di-isobutyl ester prodrug of the cytidine nucleoside analog, is a potent and selective hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase inhibitor. This thorough QT/QTc study evaluated the effect of mericitabine on cardiac repolarization in healthy subjects. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, 4-way crossover study. A total of 60 subjects were enrolled and randomized to receive a single dose of mericitabine 1,500 mg, 9,000 mg, moxifloxacin 400 mg and placebo in randomly assigned treatment sequences, with at least 14 days between doses. The primary endpoint was the mean difference in baseline-adjusted QT interval using a study-specific correction method (QTcS) between mericitabine and placebo. The upper one-sided 95% confidence interval for the placebo-subtracted change from baseline in QTcS was <10 milliseconds and the mean difference from placebo was <5 milliseconds at all time points for both mericitabine doses. The positive control moxifloxacin caused a pronounced increase in QTcS that peaked 4 hours after oral administration. Furthermore, there was no trend of a concentration-dependent effect of mericitabine on QTcS. In conclusion, mericitabine does not have a clinically or statistically significant effect on cardiac repolarization in healthy subjects at single doses up to 9,000 mg.
Collapse
|
45
|
Guedj J, Pang PS, Denning J, Rodriguez-Torres M, Lawitz E, Symonds W, Perelson AS. Analysis of hepatitis C viral kinetics during administration of two nucleotide analogues: sofosbuvir (GS-7977) and GS-0938. Antivir Ther 2014; 19:211-20. [PMID: 24464551 DOI: 10.3851/imp2733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sofosbuvir (GS-7977) and GS-0938 are nucleotide analogue HCV polymerase inhibitors, with sofosbuvir being a pyrimidine and GS-0938 being a purine. Mathematical modelling has provided important insights for characterizing HCV RNA decline and for estimating the in vivo effectiveness of single direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs); however it has not been used to characterize viral kinetics with combination DAA therapy. METHODS We evaluated the antiviral activity of sofosbuvir and GS-0938 given alone and in combination for 14 days in 32 HCV genotype 1 treatment-naive patients (P2938-0212; NUCLEAR study). RESULTS Viral load declined rapidly in a biphasic manner in all subjects and could be well fitted by assuming that both drugs had a similar and additive level of effectiveness in reducing viral production equal to 99.96%, on average. The model predicted that this level of effectiveness was not reached until 0.6 and 2 days for GS-0938 and sofosbuvir, respectively, and likely represents the time needed to accumulate intracellular triphosphates. Subsequently, both drugs led to a rapid second phase of viral decline with a mean rate of 0.35 d(-1). No effect of IL28B-polymorphism was found on viral kinetic parameters. CONCLUSIONS Both sofosbuvir and GS-0938 are highly effective at blocking viral production from HCV-infected cells. Both drugs led to a rapid and consistent second phase viral decline and exhibited no breakthroughs or other signs of resistance. From a kinetics perspective, because both drugs were of the same class there was little benefit in combining them, suggesting that future DAA combinations should consider utilizing drugs with different modes of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremie Guedj
- INSERM UMR 738, University Paris Diderot, F-75018 Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Coats SJ, Garnier-Amblard EC, Amblard F, Ehteshami M, Amiralaei S, Zhang H, Zhou L, Boucle SRL, Lu X, Bondada L, Shelton JR, Li H, Liu P, Li C, Cho JH, Chavre SN, Zhou S, Mathew J, Schinazi RF. Chutes and ladders in hepatitis C nucleoside drug development. Antiviral Res 2013; 102:119-47. [PMID: 24275341 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chutes and Ladders is an exciting up-and-down-again game in which players race to be the first to the top of the board. Along the way, they will find ladders to help them advance, and chutes that will cause them to move backwards. The development of nucleoside analogs for clinical treatment of hepatitis C presents a similar scenario in which taking shortcuts may help quickly advance a program, but there is always a tremendous risk of being sent backwards as one competes for the finish line. In recent years the treatment options for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have expand due to the development of a replicon based in vitro evaluation system, allowing for the identification of multiple drugable viral targets along with a concerted and substantial drug discovery effort. Three major drug targets have reached clinical study for chronic HCV infection: the NS3/4A serine protease, the large phosphoprotein NS5A, and the NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Recently, two oral HCV protease inhibitors were approved by the FDA and were the first direct acting anti-HCV agents to result from the substantial research in this area. There are currently many new chemical entities from several different target classes that are being evaluated worldwide in clinical trials for their effectiveness at achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR) (Pham et al., 2004; Radkowski et al., 2005). Clearly the goal is to develop therapies leading to a cure that are safe, widely accessible and available, and effective against all HCV genotypes (GT), and all stages of the disease. Nucleoside analogs that target the HCV NS5B polymerase that have reached human clinical trials is the focus of this review as they have demonstrated significant advantages in the clinic with broader activity against the various HCV GT and a higher barrier to the development of resistant viruses when compared to all other classes of HCV inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Coats
- RFS Pharma, LLC, 1860 Montreal Road, Tucker, GA 30084, USA
| | | | - Franck Amblard
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Maryam Ehteshami
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Sheida Amiralaei
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Hongwang Zhang
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Longhu Zhou
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Sebastien R L Boucle
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Xiao Lu
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Lavanya Bondada
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Jadd R Shelton
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Hao Li
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Chengwei Li
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Jong Hyun Cho
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Satish N Chavre
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Shaoman Zhou
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Judy Mathew
- RFS Pharma, LLC, 1860 Montreal Road, Tucker, GA 30084, USA
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
This review highlights ten "hot topics" in current antiviral research: (i) new nucleoside derivatives (i.e., PSI-352938) showing high potential as a direct antiviral against hepatitis C virus (HCV); (ii) cyclopropavir, which should be further pursued for treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections; (iii) North-methanocarbathymidine (N-MCT), with a N-locked conformation, showing promising activity against both α- and γ-herpesviruses; (iv) CMX001, an orally bioavailable prodrug of cidofovir with broad-spectrum activity against DNA viruses, including polyoma, adeno, herpes, and pox; (v) favipiravir, which is primarily pursued for the treatment of influenza virus infections, but also inhibits the replication of other RNA viruses, particularly (-)RNA viruses such as arena, bunya, and hanta; (vi) newly emerging antiarenaviral compounds which should be more effective (and less toxic) than the ubiquitously used ribavirin; (vii) antipicornavirus agents in clinical development (pleconaril, BTA-798, and V-073); (viii) natural products receiving increased attention as potential antiviral drugs; (ix) antivirals such as U0126 targeted at specific cellular kinase pathways [i.e., mitogen extracellular kinase (MEK)], showing activity against influenza and other viruses; and (x) two structurally unrelated compounds (i.e., LJ-001 and dUY11) with broad-spectrum activity against virtually all enveloped RNA and DNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kiser JJ, Burton JR, Everson GT. Drug-drug interactions during antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 10:596-606. [PMID: 23817323 PMCID: PMC4634866 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2013.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV infection represents a major advance in treatment. The NS3 protease inhibitors, boceprevir and telaprevir, were the first DAAs to receive regulatory approval. When combined with PEG-IFN and ribavirin, these agents increase rates of sustained virologic response in HCV genotype 1 to ∼70%. However, this treatment regimen is associated with several toxicities. In addition, both boceprevir and telaprevir are substrates for and inhibitors of the drug transporter P-glycoprotein and the cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A4 and are, therefore, prone to clinically relevant drug interactions. Several new DAAs for HCV are in late stages of clinical development and are likely to be approved in the near future. These include the protease inhibitors, simeprevir and faldaprevir, the NS5A inhibitor, daclatasvir, and the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor, sofosbuvir. Herein, we review the clinical pharmacology and drug interactions of boceprevir, telaprevir and these investigational DAAs. Although boceprevir and telaprevir are involved in many interactions, these interactions are manageable if health-care providers proactively identify and adjust treatments. Emerging DAAs seem to have a reduced potential for drug interactions, which will facilitate their use in the treatment of HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Kiser
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, V20-C238, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Resistance to HCV nucleoside analogue inhibitors of hepatitis C virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Curr Opin Virol 2013; 3:508-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2013.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
50
|
Washington C, Moreira S, Haznedar J, Goelzer P, Chen YC. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of the HCV polymerase inhibitor mericitabine in healthy Caucasian and Japanese subjects. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2013; 29:141-7. [PMID: 24025983 DOI: 10.2133/dmpk.dmpk-13-rg-016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the pharmacokinetics of mericitabine in healthy Caucasian and Japanese subjects, healthy Caucasian (n = 32) and Japanese (n = 32) subjects were randomized to receive single 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg doses of mericitabine or a placebo, after which plasma and urine samples were collected for 72 h. Mericitabine (prodrug), RO4995855 (parent), and RO5012433 (uridine metabolite) concentrations were quantified by tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetics were estimated by non-compartmental methods, and pharmacokinetic parameters of RO4995855 were normalized by body weight. Exposure to RO4995855 was similar in both populations after administration of mericitabine 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg. Mean AUCinf of RO4995855 increased in a dose-proportional manner from 28.8 to 52.3, and 113.0 µg·h/mL in Caucasian subjects, and from 32.5 to 57.1 and 119 µg·h/mL in Japanese subjects. A linear relationship was observed between the weight-adjusted dose of mericitabine and Cmax (r(2) = 0.83 and 0.80) and AUC (r(2) = 0.94 and 0.74) for RO4995855 in Caucasian and Japanese subjects, respectively. Mean half-life and renal clearance of RO4995855 were similar and independent of dose in both populations. The results support the use of the same dosing regimens in Caucasian and Asian subjects.
Collapse
|